


 

 Theres No Such Thing As A Werewolf

 MaryJanice Davidson

 

 

 

 

 CHAPTER ONE

 

 As any werewolf knows, smells and emotions and even raised voices have colors and texture. And as any blind werewolf knowsnot that there were any besides him, to the best of his knowledgeyou could take those smells, emotions, and conversations and do a pretty good job of seeing. Not a great job, comparably speaking, but enough to get around. Enough to have a solid sense of the world.

 But I cant be pregnant, Mrs. Dane was saying. Theres just no way.

 Theres at least one way.

 But Im infertile! The clinic said!

 Accidents happen, he said cheerfully. He knew she was stunned, but pleased. And as soon as the shock wore off, shed be ecstatic. He could have told her that her fallopian tubes had managed to unblock themselves over the years, but that would raise awkward questions. After all, he was just her G.P. He wasnt treating her for infertility.

 Id say youre Thirty-nine and a half days along about six weeks pregnant. Im going to write you a scrip for some pre-natal vitamins, and I want you to take two a day. And the usual blandishments, of course, ease off on alcohol, dont smoke, blah-blah-blah. You know all this. Mrs. Dane was anOB nurse.

 Yeah, butI never thought Id need it.

 He heard her weight shift as she slid off the table, and thus was ready for it when she flung her chubby arms around him in a stranglers grip. Thanks so much! she whispered fiercely. Thank you!

 Mrs. Dane, I didnt do anything. He gently extricated himself from her grip. Go home and thank your husband.

 Oh, Im sorry. Now she was brighter in his minds eye, glowing with embarrassment. I read somewhere that blind people dont like it when their balance is thrown off.

 Dont worry about it. You couldnt throw off my balance. Not without a truck . Dont forget to fill this on the way home, he added. He could write perfectly well, which was to say his prescriptions didnt look any less legible than a seeing doctors.

 Right. Right! She darted around him, nearly careened into the closed door, and left without her clothes. The gown flapped once as the door closed behind her.

 I dont think theyll let you in the pharmacy dressed like that, he called after her.

 

 * * * * *

 Im just saying you should think about it, his nurse, Barb Robinson, argued. I hate the thought of you going home to an empty house every night. And it wouldyou know. Be helpful.

 Put a harness around a dog and expect it to lead me around all day? He tried not to sound as aghast as he felt. Thats awful!

 Drake, be reasonable. You get around fine, but youre not a kid anymore.

 Meaning, since Im looking at the big four-oh, its time to check out nursing home brochures?

 Barbs scent shiftedit had been lemony and intense before, because while she was embarrassed to broach the subject, she was also determined. Now, as she got annoyed, it intensified until she damned near smelled like mouthwash.

 Very funny, she snapped. Prides one thing. Your safety is another. For crying out loud, you dont even use your cane most of the time.

 Will it get you off my back if I start lugging the stick around?

 Yes, she said promptly.

 Oh, for Gods sake. Fine. You may now refer to me as Dr. Stick.

 Its just that I dont want you to get hurt, is all, she persisted. You bugged me about moving to a safer neighborhood .

 Repeatedly?

 Oh, hush up. And youd better get goingisnt tonight another one of your big nights out?

 You could say that. It is indeed.

 Wellmaybe you should take it easy. You look kind of worn out today.

 I was up late, he said shortly. Give me the damned cane.

 He heard her rummaging around beneath the counter, and then she tapped the floor in front of him. He snatched it out of her hand. There, satisfied?

 For now.

 Also, youre fired.

 Ha!

 Maybe next time. He obediently started tapping his way to the front door, though he knew perfectly well it was eight feet, nine inches away. See you Monday.

 And think about the dog! she yelled after him.

 Not likely, he muttered under his breath.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER TWO

 

 The small gangtwo boys and one girl, not one of them out of their teensfollowed him off the subway. Typical thugs; they needed reinforcements to rob a blind man. He led them downMilk Street and let them get close.

 Just so you know, he said, turning, in about half an hour the moon will be up. So this is a very, very bad idea. I mean They rushed him, and his stick caught the first one in the throat. its a bad idea in general. There are only about a thousand His elbow clocked down on the skull of the second. more respectable ways to make a living.

 He hesitated with the girl, and nearly got his cheek sliced open for his trouble. He pulled his head back, heard the whisper of steel slide past his face, then grabbed her wrist and pulled, checking his force at the last moment. She flew past him and smacked into the brick wall, then flopped to the ground like a puppet with her strings cut. Seriously, he told the dazed, semi-conscious youths. You should think about it. And what are you up to?

 Nothing, the other werewolf said cheerfully. Just came down to see if you needed a hand. Christ, when was the last time these three had a bath?

 About two weeks ago.

 Hows it going, Drake?

 Its going like it always does, he said carefully. He had known Wade when they were younger, but it paid to be careful around Pack.

 He held out his hand and felt it engulfed by the younger man, who smelled like wood smoke and fried trout. Drake was a large man, but Wade had three inches and twenty pounds on him. If he wasnt such a pussycat, hed be terrifying. Still keeping to your place in the country?

 Sure. This city is fucking rank, man. I only came in to stock up. The day got away from me.

 Try not to eat any of the populace.

 Yuck! Have you seen what they eat? I wouldnt chew a monkey on a bet.

 Thats not nice, Drake said mildly.

 Yeah, yeah, pardon my un-fucking PC behavior . Humans, okay, and never mind what they originated from. No, really! They should be proud to be shaved apes.

  Tsk.

 Hey, Im glad I ran into you. You should head out to theCape , say hi to the boss and Moira and those guys. Did you hear Moira got hitched?

 I did, yes. To a monkey, right?

 Yeah, well Wade stretched; Drake could hear his tendons creaking and lengthening. Their change was very close. Luckily, adolescence was far behind them both; they would stay well in control. The new alpha gal, Jeannie, she heard aboutuhshe noticed that none of the Packuh

 Was cursed with a devastating handicap? he asked pleasantly. He tapped his cane for emphasis.

 Wade coughed. Anyway, she hit the fucking roof when Michael told her the score, and they pissed and moaned about it for, like, a damn month, during which time our fearless leader was so not getting laid, and finally Michael said it wasnt an automatic, it would be up to the parents, and they both had to agree.

 Drake was silent. For the Pack, this was forward thinking indeed. Handicaps were so rare they were nearly unheard of, and when a Pack member was born blind, or deaf, or whatever, it had been tradition since time out of mind that the sire killed the cub. The dam was usually too weak from whelping, but was almost always in agreement.

 Hissire, however, had died in Challenge before his birth, and his mother had wanted him. Had hidden him away at the time so the well-meaning Pack leader, Michaels father, couldnt find him and kill him. Had raised him defiantly and heartlesslyabsolutely no quarter given, or asked.

 Drake had eventually left the Pack on his own, made his way toBoston , made a life among humans. Here, at least, he could hold his own. Humans didnt care about Challenges. They didnt even know about them.

 Well, maybe I will pay them a visit, he lied. Its been a long time. Michael hadnt even been pack leader when hed leftMoira had been a precocious brat, one of the few whod tried to talk him out of leaving.

 No. Done was done.

 A long time? Wade was saying. Yeah, like about twenty years. Its a little different now. Michaels a modern dude. No one will fuck with you.

 Thanks for passing on the news. But I didnt leave because I was afraid of being fucked with.

 You did win all your Challenges, Wade admitted.

 I left because I was never allowed to be myself.

 You think youre allowed that here ? In Monkey Central?

 He shrugged. Loneliness was such a central factor of his life, he barely recognized it anymore. It doesnt matter.

 Well, think it over. I know Jeannied like to meet you. If nothing else, to be proved right. She lives for that shit. This was said in a tone of grudging admiration.

 Well see.

 Drake heard Wade inhale, and stretch again. Fine, be a stubborn ass, I dont care. Better beat feet out of here. Gonna be a long one. Last night of the full moon.

 Happy trails, he said dryly. Again, try not to eat anyone.

 Again, the larger man said, loping off, dont make me puke. Company coming.

 Yes, I He nearly fell down, right there in the alley. I know.

 Jeez, the girl said, coming closer. She glanced over her shoulder at the rapidly retreating Wade, then turned and glared at the unconscious gang. You gigantic losers!

 Everything was suddenly very bright, very sharp. The exhalations of the would-be attackers, Wades retreating footsteps, the girls perfume LOccitaneGreen Tea.

 He could see her.

 Not sense her, not get an idea of where she was and how she felt by her voice. See her. Everything around her was shades of gray , but she stood out like a beacon.

 She was shorther head stopped right around the middle of his chest. And her hair was that light, sunny color he assumed people meant when they said blonde. Her eyes were an odd color not blue like ice was blue, and not purple like people had described irisessomewhere in between.

 Her hair was brutally short and so were her nails. She was wearing six earrings in her left ear, and eight in her right. She had a nose ring, a hoop through her left eyebrow, and her shirt was short enough to show off the bellybutton ring. Her stomach was sweetly rounded, and she was wearing shorts so brief they were practically denim panties. Her black tights were strategically ripped, showing flashes of creamy skin. Her tennis shoes (what color was that? Red?Orange ?) were loosely tied with laces that werent any color at all.

 Are you all right, guy? Im really sorry if they tried anything. I told them to cut the shit. I didnt think they, yknow, meant it.

 He gaped at her.

 Oh, sorry, she said, glancing at the cane. I didnt realize. Do you need me to walk you somewhere? Did they hurt you?

 I can see you!

  Ooooookey-dokey. She took a cautious step backward. Listen, Ive got stuff to do tonightlast chance. Dyou need me to call you a cab or something?

 Holy Mary Mother of God!

 So, no. Well, bye. She turned, and, frozen, he watched her walk away. Her butt was flat, and she hitched up her shorts, which gaped around her waist. He couldnt begin to imagine her agetwenty-two? Twenty-five? He had at least fifteen years on her.

 He heard a crack, and dropped the canehed been gripping it too hard, and it had split down the middle. Why could he see her? Why now? Was it a function of the full moon? If so, why hadnt it ever happened before? Who was she? And where was she going in such a hurry?

 The clouds scudded past the moon, and suddenly he had twice as many teeth.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER THREE

 

 Crescent stood on the rooftop and stared down at the street. It wasnt so far. One measly story. Shoot, people fell that far all the time and survivedmostlyand besides, she wasnt a regular person. Probably.

 If she was ever going to fly, now was the time.

 She put her hands on the ledge and started to boost herself up, when she felt a sharp tug on the seat of her shorts and went flying backward. She hit the gravel rooftop and all the breath whooshed out of her lungs. So she lay there and gasped like a fish out of water, and when she was able, rolled over on her knees.

 The largest wolf she had ever seen was sitting three feet away. She was too startled to be frightened. And he wasnt growling or biting, just staring at her in the moonlight.

 A dog she could almost understand, even here, in the middle of the city. But a wolf? Where had it come from? Did it escape from a zoo? And how did it get up on the roof? Could wolves climb fire escapes? Was there a fire escape?

 If she spread her fingers as wide as she could, its paws were just about that size. And its head was almost twice as wide as hers, with deep, almost intelligent brown eyes. His fur was a rich, chocolate brown shot with silver strands, and when the breeze ruffled its pelt, the wolf looked noblealmost kingly.

 Whatd you do that for? she asked the wolf. If I want an animal biting my butt, Ill start dating again.

 It stared at her. She supposed she should have been scared, but had no sense of menace from it.

 All the better to see you with, my dear, she muttered. Now you stay here. I have to do something. She got up, brushed the dust off her knees, and started for the ledge. She got about a step and a half when she heard a warning growl behind her. She threw up her hands and spun around. Jeez, what are you? Why are you picking on me? And why do you care? Look, I wont get hurt. I can fly. I mean, Im pretty sure. And if Im wrongbut I dont think I amits only one story.

 Nope. The wolf wasnt buying it.

 Well, hell, she said, and sat down cross-legged.

 It had been a long day, and a longer night. Almost before she knew it, she was tipping sideways. The gravel was probably cutting her cheek, but it felt like the softest of down pillows.

 She slept.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER FOUR

 

 She was stiff, and freezing, and someone was shaking her by the shoulder. What the hell had happened to her cot?

 She opened her eyes to see a man down on one knee beside her. And, hello! Not bad for an old guy. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, and had great dark eyes, brown hair touched with gray , and smile lines bracketing his mouth. His shoulders, in the dark suit and greatcoat he wore, were impossibly broad. His thighs were almost as big around as her waist, and he was crouching over her like a dark angel. It was a little disturbing, but kind of cool.

 Good morning. His voice was deep, pleasant. He probably worked in radio. Are you all right?

 Sure, she said, but she groaned when she sat up. I cant believe I fell asleep up here. She brushed gravel off her cheek and looked around. The wolf was gone, thank goodness. Oh, shit! I never got tonever mind.

 What are you doing up here?

 Mind your own beeswax, she said. You can go now.

 You dont seem suicidal, he commented.

 Im not!

 Then why are you up on a roof?

 Youll laugh at me.

 Doubtful.

 Also, its none of your business.

 Well, he said pleasantly, Im not leaving you up here by yourself. So you might as well tell me.

 Dammit! What was going on? First the gang decided to be dumb (dumber than usual, anyway,) then a weird-ass giant wolf tormented her, and now this guy. God hated her is what it was. Fine, Ill tell. Im pretty sure I can fly. Ive felt I could all my life. It sort ofruns in my family. Except my familys all dead, so I never really knew for sure for sure, yknow? So, anyway, last night I finally screwed up the courage to try, but I couldnt becausenever mind, youll think Im a nut-job. More so than now, I mean. Anyway, thats why Im up here. Not to die. To fly.

  Mmmm. He put a big hand on her face and peered at her pupils. Well, youre not on drugs. Thats something.

 I quit doing drugs when I was seventeen, she snapped, and batted his hand away. Ive been clean for ages.

 And youre not terminally ill, he finished.

 How dyou know that ?

 Im a doctor, its my job to know.

 What, did you do a blood test in my sleep?

 He ignored that. Whats your name?

 Why do you care?

 He looked at her soberly. I care.

 Weird. But cool. Okay, fine. Its Crescent.

 Thats it?

 No, I have a last name, but Im not telling.

 Why? Are you a fugitive?

 I wish. Its just that everybody laughs. Youll laugh.

 He raised his hand, palm out. I promise I wont laugh.

 Its Muhn .

 Crescent Moon?

 The h, she said with as much dignity as she could, is silent.

 Thats all right, he told her. My last name is Dragon.

 Doctor Dragon?

 Doctor Drake Dragon.

 Oh dear. She giggled. Were both cartoons.

 You realize, of course, that we must get married. He said this with a perfectly straight face, which made her laugh harder.

 Its just too good a story to tell our grandchildren, she agreed. But first I have to do this. So, good-bye.

 Come down and have breakfast with me instead, he coaxed.

 Interestingly, she was tempted. He really was a stone fox. And she hadnt been on a date in Lets see, she had been able to legally drink for three years, and there was that guy who took her to the rave right after

 Wait a minute.

 Wait a minute! God, she was slow this morning. Youre the blind guy from the alley! Except he didnt seem blind. Hed checked her pupils, for crying out loud.

 Yes, he confirmed.

 You dont seem very blind.

 He hesitated, then said again, Have breakfast with me.

 Why?

 You might as well. Im not going to let you jump.

 She sighed. Well. I am hungry.And I can ditch this guy after I cadge a free meal off him . Okay. Lead on, MacDuff .

 

 

 

 CHAPTER FIVE

 

 He offered her his arm when they were at street level, and her smell shifted to amusementripe oranges. After a moment, she grasped it.

 Cripes, I cant even get my fingers around your bicep. Dyou work out, like, nine times a day?

 No. But I like to keep in shape.

 Yknow, we dont have to go anywhere fancy, she said. We could just get a cup of coffee.

 Youre underweight for your height. Well get a proper meal.

 Bossy, she coughed into her fist.

 He smiled. Yes. It was all he could do not to gape at her like a schoolboy. He had no idea why he could see her, but the effect hadnt worn off with daylightshe was like a flame in a street of shadows. Im afraid it runs in my family.

 Can I ask you something? How come you dont use a dog? And wheres your cane? Didnt you have one last night?

 I get around pretty well, he said, avoiding her question. Ive been blind all my life. Its all I know.

 Oh. Well, like I said, you dont seem blind.

 He shrugged. Humans always told him that.

 

 * * * * *

 Over a breakfast of three pancakes, six pieces of toast, and two cups of coffee (hers), and a bowl of oatmeal (his), they talked.

 Dont you want some ham or bacon? Please, order whatever you like. I can assure you Im good for it.

 She shuddered. No, thanks. Im a vegetarian.

 Oh. Hmm. That could be interesting. You know, thats really not the best diet for an omnivore.

 Dude, Im not chomping on dead flesh, and thats the end of it.

 Drake, he corrected.

 She mopped up syrup with the last pancake. Yeah, whatever. Can I get more coffee?

 Of course. He signaled the waitress, then asked, Why are you so thin?

 Why do you ask so many questions?

 Im interested in you, he said simply.

 Uh-huh. Dude, youre, like, twice my age.

 Yes, that was annoying. But it couldnt be helped. Stop calling me dude. And its probably not twice. Ill be forty this year.

 Oh. She seemed surprised. You look younger. Im twenty-four.

 You look younger, too. If I may ask, where are you staying?

 Theres a shelter onBeacon Street , she said without a trace of embarrassment. I lost my jobthe economy, you knowand couldnt make rent, so Ive been bouncing around a bit.

 Is that how you fell in with the little gang who attacked me?

 I didnt know they were going to do that, she said earnestly. I thought it was just talk.

 I believe you. What about your family?

 Dont have one.

 Im sorry.

 Its all right. I never really knew them. Like youI guessbeing by myself, its all I know.

 Why dont you stay with me for a while? I have a big house inCambridge , and theres plenty of room for a guest.

 She snorted into her coffee cup. Right. Go home with the strange guy who showed up out of nowhere, who says hes blind but doesnt trip over anything. Not too creepy.

 Whats the worst that could happen?

 You could kill me in my sleep.

 He tried not to show offense . Thats ridiculous. In your sleep ? I would never.

 She laughed at him. Oh, okay, so, weve established you wont kill me in my sleep. Thats promising.

 The homeless shelter is preferable to my home?

 Wellno offense , dudeDrake, I meanbut put yourself in my shoes.

 I understand. But consider this, you could have pancakes every morning, he coaxed, and all the coffee you could drink. Until you get back on your feet.

 She shook her head, but looked tempted. Jeez, I cant believe Im even considering this. If this was a horror movie, Id be yelling at the screen. Dont do it, you dumb bitch!

 Thats nice. I would really enjoy your company. I live asolitary life. It would be nice to have aa friend over.

 She stared at him for a long moment. Well. I have to admit its the nicest offer Ive gotten all year. But heres the thing. Im getting these take-the-poor-waif-home-and- take-care-of-her vibes from you, but Im not sure you get it. My family died when I was a toddler, and I left the foster home when I was ten. Ive been on my own a long time. I can take care of myself.

 Of course.

 And the thing is, theres nothing Illuhdo for you. You know. In order to stay at your house.

 No, I wouldnt expect you to. And, fortunately, she was a good two weeks from ovulation. Hed be nowhere near his change then. It could be problematic when a roommates cycle coincided with a male werewolfs, but he didnt have to worry about that, at least. There arent any strings, Crescent.

 Well. She finished her coffee. I cant believe Im saying this. But well try it. For a while.

 All right, then. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. Hed never seen a smile before. Hers made him dizzy.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER SIX

 

 They walked in and she was instantly dazzled. Like the big colonial house hadnt been impressive enough on the outside . Wow! How many windows do you have ?

 I have no idea.

 Right. Sorry. Its so bright in here! She was staring; she couldnt help it. Her first, jumbled impression was lots of light, a soaring living room ceiling, a loft, and lots of hardwood flooring. You dont even need to turn any lights on during the day. Not that you would.

 He was hanging his greatcoat in the closet. I like to feel the sun on my face, he said simply.

 Did anyone ever tell you, you live in a pink house?

 A few have mentioned it. He shrugged. What do I care?

 She laughed. I spose . Its just sort of funny. I mean, youre this big, super-masculine guy, and your house is the color of a faded pink sweatshirt. Its a little weird.

 He smiled. It was disconcertinglike he was looking right at her. But of course he wasnt. He probably knew she was standing by the door because of her voice. Super masculine?

 Dude, youre about the biggest, boldest guy Ive ever met.

 Thank you. And stop calling me dude.

 He was the sharpest handicapped person shed ever seen. He paid for breakfast with cashand she noticed the twenty-dollar bills were folded into triangles, and the ten was a rectangle. Of courseit made perfect sense. He couldnt see the denominations, and the bills would all feel the same. Did he get them that way from the bank? Or did he have a helper to fold his money? Maybe she could fold his dough, earn her keep

 But it was just so weird, because he always seemed to know where she washe caught her before she started to trip on the curb, for Gods sake.

 Why dont I show you to your room?

 Yeah, she said, kicking off her sneakers and following him. Why dont you?

 She expected a simple guest room with a utilitarian twin bed and an empty bureau. Instead, he escorted her to paradise. The bed, a mahogany four-poster, was against the window, and sunlight was splashed all over the Shaker quilt. Through the open door on the opposite side of the room she could see a gleaming bathroom with tiles the color of the sea, and the bureau beside her was almost as tall as she was.

 Uhyou sure you dont have a cot in the basement or something? she asked nervously. The room was so clean, so beautiful, she was afraid to move, lest she destroy it all. Or maybe a blanket I could spread out on the kitchen floor?

 Nonsense. This is your room now, for as long as you like. Ill leave you to get settled. And, abruptly, he was gone.

 Get settled? she asked the empty room. How? She hadnt wanted him to see the shelter, so she had no extra clothes. Well, shed sneak out tonight and go get them. And shed find Moran and his little gang of retards, and give them a piece of her mind. Imagine, trying to rob a blind guy.

 She wandered back out to the living room and eyed the loft.

 Hmmm

 She noiselessly climbed the stairs, and had time to notice the loft was actually an officedesk, computer with big-ass speakers, bookshelvesbefore she clambered up onto the railing. This would be even easierthis was only one story. Less, actually. Just a few feet. Piece of cake. If she couldnt fly here, she couldnt fly anywhere.

 Something for lunch? Drake called from the kitchen. Good, he was a couple of rooms away.

 Im still stuffed from breakfast, she called back, and dived off the railing.

 She flopped over in mid-air, and had time to notice the living room doing a one-eighty around her, and then she fell into Drakes arms.

 Wow! she gasped. Howd you do that? You were, like, fifty feet away!

 Will you stop that? he snapped. Stop climbing things and leaping off of them, before you give me a heart attack.

 But howd you know I?

 Promise, Crescent. As long as youre in this house, no more crazy jumps.

 But I wont be hurt, she explained earnestly, resisting the urge to snuggle into his arms. He was holding her like she weighed as much as a bag of feathers, like it was nothing. And the way he was scowling down at herit should have been scary, but instead, she wanted to smooth out the frown lines with her fingertips. Really! Im sure I can do it.

 Not in my house, he said firmly. Now promise.

 Or what? She wasnt being sarcastic. She was curious.

 Or I wont put you down.

 Now she did smooth out the frown line over his eyebrow. Weirdlybut nicelyhe leaned down and nuzzled her nose. She felt her nipples tighten and fought the urge to squirm in his arms.

 Youre just going to carry me around all day? she teased.

 He smiled down at her. It wouldnt be much of a hardship.

 Okay, okay. I promise. No more jumping off stuff in your house. But I cant promise I wont jump anywhere else

 All right, then. He set her on her feet, gave her a warning smack on the ass which stung like hell

 Hey!

 and walked back to the kitchen.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER SEVEN

 

 He heard her as she tiptoed past his room. Actually, he heard her when she opened her eyes and sat up in bed. He knew from her smell she hadnt slept, and made sure he didnt either.

 When she stole out of his house like a thief in reverse, he was right behind her.

 

 * * * * *

 Bags were always in short supply at the shelter, so she just gathered a few changes of clothes to her chest and stole back outside. Unfortunately, she caught Marias eye on the way out. Well, it couldnt be helped. The woman gobbled speed like it was Tic- Tacs, and she never slept.

 Crescent crept down the alley behind the shelter, thinking she still had time to catch the Red Line back to the bus stop near Drakes house, when she heard running footsteps and turned to see the Asshole Brigade.

 New crib? Maria asked. She was one of those women who always smiledwho smiled when you knew they were screaming inside. New man?

 Yes, and no, and mind your own business.

 Hold up, Cress. That was Nick Moran, the leader of the incredibly lame group. You got something for us?

 Its Cress- ent, and no, I sure dont. Whats wrong with you? She shifted her weight and clutched her clothes a little tighter. She did not want to let these three put her in the middle of their nasty little circle. Her gut almost always led her rightwhy else was she staying with a stranger?and maybe it did this time, too. Maybe when she fell in with these idiots, they didnt really know how bad it could get. Her gut was good, but it couldnt foresee the future. Robbing a blind guy? Trying to, anyway. You couldnt even pull that off.

 Shut up, Nick said roughly. He was a tall, cadaverously thin man with the bare beginnings of a mustache , and a scar that bisected his left cheek. We had it under control.

 Sure you did. Bye.

 Jimmy, the other schmuck, clawed at her elbow and managed to grab it.  Whyntyou take us to his place? he asked. His tone was reasonable, but she wasnt fooled. Cute piece of ass like you, bet youve already got a key.

 As a matter of fact, she did. As a further matter of fact, she certainly wasnt going to let them have it. Forget it, she said, trying to pull away. Fuck off, you three, before I lose my temper. I cant believe I ever felt sorry for you.

 Sorry for us? Nick echoed, expression darkening. Be sorry for you. Because when we get done, you wont be so pretty no more.

 Its any more. For Gods sake, Nick, you went to private school before your folks kicked you out.

 Nick blushedhe hated being reminded he hadnt been born to the streetsbut Maries smile widened, if that was possible. Crescent observed that the woman had a nodding acquaintance at best with toothpaste. We can do this the easy way she began.

 Oh, spare me your thug clichs. Crescent was more annoyed than frightened, which she supposed was something. Shed been a moron to come back here by herselfand for what? So Drake wouldnt see the shelter? Who cared what he thought? Big overprotective dope. And she wasnt going to be winning any College Bowls, either, unless she starting relying a little more heavily on instinct and less on pride.

 Jimmys other handthe one not squeezing her elbowdarted forward like a pale spider and grabbed her nipple. Then he started to pinch. Hard. Crescent could drop her clothes all over the filthy alley floor, or she could stand there.

 She stood there. Never in a thousand years would she show these three how much he was hurting her. Cut the shit, she said through gritted teeth. You think acting like bullying assholes is going to change my mind about you? She looked at Nick, waiting for him to call off his dog.

 Jimmy was giggling and Maria was grinning, and Crescents eyes were watering, and she had just decided to drop her clothes and kick Jim in the  nadswhen Jim was flying away from her, literally flying. He sailed through the air and crumpled to the street a good ten feet away.

 She had a glimpse of big hands cupping the curve of Marias skull, and Nicks, and then there was a klonk as their heads banged together. It sounded awfully like the time she dropped a cantaloupe on the floor.

 And then Drake was towering over her. Scowling, as usual.

 Have I mentioned, she said, gaping up at him, that for a blind guy, you get around pretty good?

 Once or twice. He pushed her crossed arms down, and carefully raised her T-shirt, then eased her bra cup down so he could examine her nipple. This was startling, and quite nice. She reminded herself that he was a doctor, and hers was probably one of about six thousand nipples he saw in a year.

 Its pretty red, he said after a long moment. He was leaning so close, she could feel his breath on the swollen peak, and shifted her weight again. Suddenly her shorts felt too tight, in a pleasantly irritating way. But I dont think itll bruise.

 How Her mouth was suddenly very dry, and she coughed. How do you know its red?

 He didnt answer her. Instead, he smoothed her hair away from her eyes. If you steal out of my house in the middle of the night again, he said, quite pleasantly, Ill beat you.

 No you wont.

 He sighed. No. I wont.

 Drake, seriously. Why dyou care?

 He sighed again. I care. Then he pulled her up on her tiptoes and kissed her with bruising strength.

 She dropped her clothes. Fuckit .

 Kissing Drakewell, being kissed by Drakewas an entirely novel experience. For one thing, the man didnt have an ounce of flab anywhere. For another, she had the distinct impression he could snap her spine like kindling. But this thought was as exciting as it was slightly scary.

 He pulled away and she stumbled forward. Oh, no, dont stop, she gasped. Kiss me some moreIm not dizzy enough.

 I cant, he said, and she was delighted to see his breaths, too, were coming hard. I dont want to take you in the alley like acome on.

 He grabbed her hand, hauled her out until they were under the streetlights, and flagged a cab. He practically threw her inside, then slammed the door and tersely told the driver his address.

 My clothes, she said, staring out the back window. And after all the stupid trouble I went to

 Ill buy you a Gap store, he replied, and didnt let go of her hand until the cab pulled into his driveway.

 Drake fumbled for his wallet, then grabbed a bunch of cash and threw it at the driver, dragging her out in the same instant. She heard the drivers gasp of surprise and appreciation, and then he was pulling out of the driveway and, in typicalBoston driver fashion, pulling into traffic without looking.

 She jumped into Drakes arms. He held her easily, his hands cupping her bottom, and she nibbled his lower lip. I think you tipped him bout a thousand percent, she teased.

 Ask me if I give a fuck, he growled back. He shifted his grip, reached, and tore her shirt from the neck down.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER EIGHT

 

 They didnt make it to the bedroom. They didnt even make it to the front steps. Instead, he took her in the lilac bushes, and to the end of her days she would associate that scent with Drakes urgency.

 This is insane, she panted, helping him tear out of his coat, his shirt, his pants. We dont even know each other.

 I know you.

 Yeah, yeah, thats what they all say. Except she felt as if she knew him, too. Independent and proud and kind and gentle, but a hard man when he had to be. A velvet fist when circumstances demanded it.

 He tore her panties off and then gently parted her. She was slippery and he groaned when his fingers slid through her, into her, and while his fingers were busy stroking and parting the slick folds between her legs, his thumb was on her clit, gently rubbing, and his lips were on her sore nipple, licking and kissing.

 Later, she groaned. Oh, Christ, had she ever wanted anyone this badly? Had anyone? Later for that stuff. Fuck me, before I go out of my mind.

 He left her nipple after one last kiss, then caught her hand, brought it between them, and let her fingers curl around his enormous length. He throbbed beneath her touch and she could feel his slippery tip. She ran her thumb over it and he shuddered in her arms.

 Now?

 Yes.

 Youre so small, I dont want to

 Yes. She wriggled beneath him and licked her lower lip. Im small and youre big, and its going to hurt just right. Now stop talking andfuckme.

 He obliged, parting her and surging forward, filling her up, forcing her to open for him, and still he came forward, pushing, thrusting, until she thought she would soon feel him in the back of her throat.

 He withdrew, and in the waning light of the moon she could see the sweat on his brow, the way his eyes were shining, almost glinting, and then he surged forward, shoved forward, and she wrapped her legs around his waist and shrieked into the night air.

 They rocked together in the grass, and when she put her hands on his taut butt, she could feel the muscles flexing as he worked over her, as he thrust and withdrew and pushed and surged. She opened her mouth for another yellit was too sweetly divine to keep quietwhen his hand clamped over her mouth. She writhed in silence beneath him and, several seconds later, heard the couple walk by on the sidewalk a bare ten yards away.

 Theyll hear you, he murmured in her ear, his voice so thick it was nearly unrecognizable. Theyll come over her and see me fucking you in my side yard.

 The thought was so blatantly exciting she came at once, actually felt herself get wetter. He groaned in her ear, then bit her earlobe.

 It went on like that for some timeshe would never be able to guess how long they went at each other in the lilac bushes. Every once in a while his phenomenal hearing would pick up something and hed cover her mouth again, without missing a stroke. But when he finally came, his shout was a roar that made her ears ring.

 Oh, Christ, he gasped, collapsing over her.

 If anybody heard that , youll have some explaining to do, Doctor. She tried to sound saucy, but mostly, she just wheezed.

 Umm. He was kissing the side of her neck, wet snuffly kisses that made her shiver and press closer to him. Dont leave in the middle of the night anymore.

 All right, then. Think we can make it inside without showing the neighbors our bare butts?

 Were about to find out.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER NINE

 

 I think I got something caught on your bellybutton ring, he said later, simply because it was much too soon to ask her to be his mate, and he had to say something .

 What can I say? Life with me is a constant adventure. She yawned and flopped over on her back. And, may I add, not bad for an old guy. Seriously. You must take, like, super Geritol , because

 Thank you so much, he said wryly. They were in his bed, watching the stars through the skylight. I was just about to compliment you on being adequate in bed despite an obvious lack of experience.

 She smacked him on the bicep. Hey! And owthat was like slapping a rock. FYI, dude, Ive got gobs of experience. There was that time in the movie theater umand once during a snowball fight a boy fell down on top of me

 Stop it, youre embarrassing yourself.

 Drake, what is it with you? she asked abruptly. Her scent shift warned himfrom playful soap bubbles to fresh green leaveseven if her tone hadnt. Seriously. I mean, you swoop down on me all Knight in Shining Armani, which is nice, if weird, and you dont ask for anything at all, and youre super nice, but you must want something.

 Well, he said, sliding his hand up her thigh.

 Oh, spare me. Like you were going to kick me out for not putting outdont think so. I mean, here we are, and frankly, most men

 Spare me your knowledge of most men.

 Okay, okay. But seriously. Whats your deal?

 Its a double deal, he said after a long pause. And either one will, as you might say, freak you out in the extreme.

 Oh, dude, Id never say anything so lamewell, why dont you try one, see how that goes.

 Uh

 Come on, come on! Then Ill tell you something about me. Something nobody else knows.

 You mean besides the fact that you have smelly feet?

  Draaaaaaaaaaaake!

 All right, dont yowl. Okay. Well. Here it is, then.

 She propped her chin up on her fist and waited.

 He coughed.

 She kept waiting.

 Well. Ah. You see, its difficult to justyou knowblurt it out like this

 Are you hoping Ill die of old age so you wont have to say it?

 Fine, fine , he practically snapped. Im a werewolf.

 Silence.

 I know, he continued, emboldened when she didnt run screaming from the room. He patted her thigh tentatively. Its startling, but you dont have to be afraid, because Id never hurt you or eat youah, that is to say, outside the bedroom I would never eat you, and

 Oh, Christ! That! She batted his hand away. I knew about that ! You were supposed to tell me something I didnt know.

 He actually shook his head to check his hearing. No, there was her heartbeat, lub -dub, lub -dub , and her breaths, and the hum of electricity, and the cool clink of the freezer making an ice cubeeverything was working fine. What?

 She lunged upward, hopped off the bed, and started pacing back and forth. Moonlight splashed her as she stomped; an enraged goddess etched in cream. Well, what else would it be? Youre super-strong, super-fast, youre blind but you get around better than I doplus, youre a doctor , for Gods sake. How could you be such a good doctor without, I dunno , super everything else? It was either that or I figured you were an alien. But after just nowthe bushes, you knowI figured you probably werent an alien. Besides, this wolf stops me from throwing myself off the roof, and then you just happen to show up a few hours later?

 He blinked at her. Oh. I must say this is very anticlimactic.

 Serves you right for assuming I was a dumb-ass.

 I did not! No ones ever guessed before. And Ive hadahlady friends who have hung around quite a bit longer than you have.

 Oh, that. She waved lady friends who have hung around away. Well, thats the thing about methe secret thingI was gonna tell you. I can tell things about people. Thats why I came home with you. I didnt just think you wouldnt hurt me, I knew you wouldnt. Its like I can get into a persons head and tell exactly what theyre feeling.

 Empathic, hmm? Thats interesting. Well, Crescent, for heavens sakes, why do you keep giving that gang of yours a second chance?

 I think they might be a little crazy, she replied matter-of-factly. When we meet up, they never feel like theyre going to hurt me. Then they get mad, andanyway, obviously my radar isnt 100% right all the time. Close enough for jazz, though.

 And this fixation with flying?

 Dude, I totally can! I know it! You just have to stop getting in the way when I jump off of things.

 Empathyflight fixationand her build, small and speedybut surprisingly heavy for her heightcould it be? He had assumed they were legend. Rather like werewolves.

 Crescent, he said abruptly, have you ever had an X-ray?

 Startled by the abrupt subject change, she blinked at him like a blonde doe. Uhnot in the last few hours.

 And you never knew your family?

 Nope.

 Hmmm.

 Have I mentioned youre sexy when you go all pondering physician- esque?

 No, he said, pouncing on her and bearing her back on the bed like a cat with a new toy. You havent. Please elaborate.

 NahIve had enough of talking. She grabbed his ears and pulled him down for a kiss. He could feel her tongue dancing in his mouth and suddenly everything was much louder, much clearer. It was amazing to make love with a woman and be able to see her, really see her. He couldnt get enough.

 He broke the kiss, having forgotten about her origins and regained new interest in her breasts, which were small, like winter apples. He sucked a nipple into his mouth and tongued it gently. She squirmed beside him and wriggled closer. He slipped his hand between her thighs and slid his fingers through her curls, still damp from their lovemaking. In fact, she was deliciously hot and sticky down there.

 He slid his fingers through her slick folds, found her clit, pressed lightly, then rubbed the tender area around it, and dipped a finger inside her. He licked her cleavage, tasting her sweat and trying to resist the urge to give her a good nip, a mark that would last for days. His mark.

 Oh, Christ, she gasped. How do you do that? I thought we were done, but I could fuck you to death right now.

 There are worse ways to go, he teased, but his tongue felt too thick in his mouth, and now there were two fingers inside her.

 Quick as a fish, she slid away from him, shoved him over on his back, and straddled him. Stop me if youve heard this, like, a hundred times before, but youre really good

 Ive heard it beouch! Shed reached back to cup his testicles, and her grip had tightened. Never mind.

 Good dog. She giggled.

 I really dont think you should mock my origins, he said, but talking was getting much harder, as she had wrapped her fingers around his cock and was squeezing, then releasing, then squeezing. After all, youuhwhat were we talking about?

 Now her hand was sliding up and down with delicious, if agonizing, slowness. Origins, she prompted helpfully.

 Right. You descended from apes. And thatsactuallythats quite finereallyahyoure not going to stop, are you?

  Fraidso, big guy. She must have taken pity at his horrified expression, because she shifted her hips and then he was sliding up inside her. Why should you have all theall thefun? Shed been riding him while talking, lifting up and then slamming back down. Now she was just as breathless as he, thank goodness, and oh Christ, she was so sweet and it felt so good, it felt amazing . Her hands were clutching his shoulders as she pumped and pumped, and he grabbed her knees and spread her thighs wider on the down stroke. Her eyes rolled up in her head and he felt her uterus contracting around his cock as she came.

 Oh, God! she cried at the ceiling.

 Too bad, he panted. He grabbed her hips and lifted, released, lifted, released. She shuddered all over and he felt her clench again. Its going to be a while for me, dear. That whole middle-aged thing, you know. Hope youve buckled in for a long ride.

 She wriggled, trying to lift herself off him, but he held on because he needed her right where she was, and because he knew she wasnt truly worried. He used her roughly, because he knew she wanted him to do so, but also because he needed to be a little roughneeded to make an impression on her mind, if not her body. He wasnt sure if that was a werewolf thing, or strictly a male prerogative.

 When she was clawing at his shoulders and begging him, when she was very nearly sore from coming, he finally let himself go. Shooting off inside her was like a dream, the best he ever had.

 She collapsed over him, panting. He stroked her back, savoring the fine sheen of sweat he found there.

 Oh, dude, she said at last. A girl could fall in love.

 He snorted, and then they laughed together, like mates.

 

 

 

 CHAPTER TEN

 

 Drake. Seriously. How many T-shirts do you think I need?

 But theyre so versatile, the Gap saleswoman piped up.

 Not to mention fragile, Drake whispered in her ear, and was gratified to see her blush.

 You go away, she ordered the woman, smiling. Youre helping him spend way too much money as it is. And youput that down. Khaki yech.

 But this is the Gap, the saleswoman said (Ask me how to save 15% was emblazoned in hysterical red ink on her lapel button), obediently retreating.

 What, so I have to wear the uniform, too? Keep going.

 Im offering you any womans dream, he said, and youre still making mischief.

 A) Chauvinist much? Any womans dream? Shopping at Faneuil Hall? And B) put those down . I already picked out pants.

 Youll need more than two pairs.

 Not according to some, she said, arching an eyebrow.

 Hmm, he said, advancing on her, momentarily slowed by a whirl of khaki as she threw the pants at him.

 Forget it, pal. Neither the time nor the place. Excuse me, she added, bumping into a silver, headless mannequin. Oh, gross! I hate when I think theyre people.

 Thats some empathy youve got at work there, he commented.

 Off my case, Dr. Furball . What, you never ever made a mistake?

 He thought hard. Nothing springs to mind.

 She let out a yelp of anger and he could tell she was sorry she had nothing in her arms to toss at him any longer. Dude, I hate to point this out, but you cant see. You must have screwed up something. Clashing tie, maybe?

 He tossed her a blouse the color of her eyes and said in a low voice, although the saleswoman was across the store, Homo saps are more handicapped than I, dear.

 Oh, sure, the one-eyed man in the country of the blind, and all that.

 Essentially.

 Were not that bad.

 He shrugged. I can smell an iron deficiency. I can hear a heart murmur without a stethoscope.

 Well, I can tell this blouse doesnt go with those pants, so put it right back on the rack, pal. God, arent you bored? These are all for me and Im just about bored out of my tits.

 He grinned. Thanks for the visual. Ill make a note to catalog order for you from now on.

 Well, thank you. Not that you need to keep buying me clothes.

 Want to bet? I suppose taking you to Anne Klein to look at dresses would be a complete waste of time?

 Barf out! Jeez, look how late its getting! The suns actually gone down. God, how long have we been doing this?

 Since supper. Stop complaining, were almost done.

 Well, Id like to see you make me, she said pertly.

 Done and done. If youre quite He paused suddenly. Was that a whiff of Pack? It sure was. Hmm, two in one week. It wasnt often he ran into one a year. That was interesting. Now what to do about it?

 Dick, I swear to fucking God, if you dont stop bitching Im going to pull out your eyeballs and shove them down your pants. The voice was strident, loud, and female.

 That could be fun, a low-pitched male voice he didnt recognize said cheerfully. And whos bitching? I just got up. What are we doing here? I didnt know you liked the Gap, mdear .

 I fucking well hate it and you damn know it. But theyre having a sale and I can stock up. I fucking hate shopping!

 A woman after my own heart, Crescent muttered, holding up a sleeveless sweater. It was touching her, so he could see it was the color of mucous. Everything else was the usual gray blurbut that scenthe knew that scent

 Drake moved to get a closer look. It couldnt be. And with a man? No. It had been too many years; he was mistaken. Still, no one else he knew packed that many fucks into everyday language.

 He stepped around the stack of red miniskirts, nostrils flared. Yes. It was she. Janet Lupo ?

 He heard her drop the pile of clothing, and could smell her shock. Despite her completely flabbergasted expression, he could tell by her scent that she was looking goodgreat, in fact. Very healthy, with a vitality about her that had been lacking in the girl hed once known.

 Interestingly, he had no sense of the man with her except as a bundle of formidable power. No real scent at all, but tall. Very strange.

 Fuck a duck, Janet said.

 Hello, Janet. Its nice to

 Drake had an impression of blurred motion, and then he went sailing through the window front and bounced onto the cobblestones. Broken glass rained down everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 CHAPTER ELEVEN

 

 Crescent worked very hard on not shrieking. It wasnt easy. There theyd been, minding their own business, when this bitch came out of nowhere and threw Drake through a window throughthe damn window!and now the two of them were rolling in the street like a couple of alley catsor wolves, probably; wolves would be more accurate, and the place was emptying pretty quick as the stampede started, and Drake was down, was on his back, and

 Get off ! Crescent leapt forward, but a brick fell on her shoulder and yanked her back.

 I wouldnt, the blonde hottie said mildly. He was a yummy one, all right, and towered over her almost as much as Drake did. Skinny drink of water, though. She observed that the brick was his hand. Strong drink of water, too. I think its a family thing. Better let them ow.

 Shed never hit anyone in the face before, and was disappointed. Blondie just sort of shook it off and rubbed his jaw. Now dont you start. Theres only one woman permitted to smack me around, and shes currently rolling in a mud puddle with your friend.

 Show him your necklace.

 Obeying the inner voice that was never, ever wrongbut which didnt speak up nearly often enoughshe fumbled for one of the three necklaces around her neck, broke the chain, and thrust it at him. To her amazement, he stumbled backward and threw a hand over his face. Just like in the movies!

 Now youre just being mean, he said reprovingly, groping for her. Put that cross away before you hurt someone. Like me!

 She ignored him, turned her back, stuffed the cross in her pocket, grabbed the cow around the waist, and pulled. Get off , she huffed. Grabbing her lovers attacker was not unlike trying to stop an army tankthe woman absolutely did not budge. But she shruggednearly dislodging Crescentand punched Drake in the eye for good measure.

 Your monkeys bothering me, she told him, and punched him again.

 Crescent, dont , Drake said sharply. There was a rill of blood trickling down his chin, but other than that he looked unharmed. Anybody else would be spurting blood from about six different arteries after sailing through a plate glass windowthank goodness for werewolf constitution! Get back. Get out of the way. Dont worry about me.

 Yeah, short stuff. Bam! Another punch. Hell be just fine. Why dont you go get a Frappuccino?

 She ignored them, and stubbornly tugged again.

 Crescent, get away from here . In a minute Im going to forget to be a gentlemenGoddammit, Janet, if you hit my jaw again Ill put you over my knee!

 Its a date, gorgeous.

 Oh no you dont! Crescent tried a new grip and pulled harder. Nobodys getting spanked but me.

 Really? Hottie said from behind her.

 I said get off him! She suddenly felt her forearm clutched in an unbelievably strong grip, and then she was sailing over the womans head, only to hit the sidewalk ass-first. The shock went all the way up her spine and she yelped.

 Unwise, Drake said, shrugging out of his coat.

 Oh, please. Nothing personal, Blind Mans Bluff, but youre fucked. Cant have anybody ratting me out to Mikey Boss Man, so sorry, sit still and die now, okay?

 Ill pass. And I have no idea what youre talking about.

 Really, Janet. Cant you two solve this a little more amicably than introducing death into the equation?

 Pipe down, Dick, no one hit your buzzer.

 Crescent bounced up from the pavement. All three of them looked surprised to see her still in the game. I said , she growled, keep your hands off my man, bitch! Then she punched the cow in the jaw.

 This was infinitely more gratifying than when shed hit El Hottie . The woman rolled away from Drake like a bowling ball and slammed up against the Gaps front door, cupping her hands beneath her chin to catch the blood, and Crescent felt the shock of the blow race all the way up to her shoulder.

 The woman spit a tooth into her palm. Hey, that actually hurt, you little cunt!

 Now thats interesting, El Hottie said approvingly. He was the most detached man shed ever met. What a weirdo! You dont smell like a meat-eater.

 Crescent! Drake was utterly shocked. It was almost worth getting jumped, just to see the look on his face. How did you manage that?

 Do we have to talk about it now? Or do I have to keep kicking the shit out of whats-her-cow?

 Hey, hey, whats-her-cow said warningly. Watch the language.

 You have a problem with cow ? You put your hands on him again, Ill kick your ass up so high people will think you have a second head. Cow .

 Says the midget. But the womans lips were twitchinglike Drakes did when he was amused, and trying not to show it.

 You know what they say. All cow and no cow makes cow a cow-cow.

 The woman reddenedthen laughed reluctantly.

 For heavens sake, Janet, Drake was saying, limping over to her and helping her out of the dirt. Whats the problem? I havent seen you inwhat? Fifteen years? And you attack me?

 I dont suppose we could talk about this over a drink, Hottie commented. He grinned, and Crescent nearly screamed. He had about a thousand teeth, and they all looked very sharp. So to speak.

 

 * * * * *

 so now were sort ofuhin love and stuff. And Im not going back, Janet added defiantly.

 You dont have to sell me on the advantages of going rogue, Drake said.

 What, so, youd get in trouble with your boss? Thewhat dyou call him? Pack Leader? Crescent dumped a third packet of sugar into her coffee. Whats he care?

 He probably wouldnt, Janet replied after a long pause. But its not worth it to me. The risk, I mean. He could order me to stay on theCape and II would have to obey, or disobey.

 They were sitting in the corner of the Starbucks onPark Street , speaking in low voices. Although Crescent wasnt sure why they bothered. This wasBoston , after all. Nobody gave a shit.

 Well, you dont have to worry about me. Youre only the second Pack member Ive run into in the last year, Drake said. And even if I were to run into Michaelwhich isnt likelyI certainly wouldnt mention you.

 Well, thanks. I guess I shouldnt have Uh. Janet coughed. You know. Kicked the shit out of you without asking questions first.

 Thats all right, he said kindly, ignoring Crescent and Richards snickers.

 You might think about moving, Crescent suggested. If your boss and all his lackey werewolves live on theCape . I mean, youre only ninety miles away. If you lived inI dunno ,Argentina ? That would be better.

 Our home is here, Janet said stubbornly. Besides, were all over the world. Might as well stake out a small claim and defend it here as well as anywhere else.

 Crescent noticed the hottie Richardhadnt touched his frozen coffee. Arent you thirsty?

 Yes.

 Well, why arent you

 So whats your story, blondie ? Janet asked. Getting smacked by you was like getting smacked by a two-by-four. What do you have for bone marrow, steel ball bearings?

 Crescent blinked at the interruption. Well, I think I

 might be part fey. Drake finished for her.

 Richards eyebrows arched. Really? I thought your kind died out years ago.

 Its fairy, not fey, and most of us haveat least, Ive never been able to find anybody else like me. And Drake, how the hell did you know that? I never got around to telling you!

 I guessed yesterday, he explained, and when you smacked Janet I knew for sure.

 Whoa, back up. Janet put her palms out like a traffic cop. Youre a fairy? Like Tinkerbelle? With wings and shit?

 Do you see any wings? she snapped.

 Jeez, nobody told me fairies had such rotten tempers, Janet muttered.

 Shes just mad because I figured it out, Drake said with annoying smugness. She was saving it for a surprise.

 Youre so insufferable!

 Yes.

 It runs in the family, Janet added with a grin. The men especially. So annoying.

 Oh, yes, Richard said.  Malewerewolves are the annoying ones.

 You shut up. Listen, I always heard fairies were these little delicate things. You hit like a bulldozer. Im gonna have to wait for that tooth to grow back, which sucks.

 Dense bones, Drake said.

 Difficult to break, Richard added. I ran into one of your kind about seventy years ago, and he nearly killed me. He was quite old even then, dear, so dont get your hopes up. Im sure hes dust by now.

 Oh, Crescent said faintly.

 Dont sound so disappointed. He was a nasty old man.

 This explains your fixation with flying, Drake said, thinking out loud.

 Dense bones, and she can fly? Janet snorted into her Caramel Mocha Frappucchino . Yeah, that makes sense.

 You ever see an airplane take off? Crescent asked. You look at it and wonder how something that heavy can ever get off the earthand then it goesand youre left on the ground.

 Well, of course you cant fly with all those accessories. Whip-quick, Richard flicked his spoon at his whipped cream, and a dollop appeared as if by magic on the end of Janets nose. But you knew that.

 What?

 Dammit, Dick! Quit throwing whipped cream on me; you know I hate it.

 What? Crescent nearly yelled.

 Richard looked startled. All your piercings. You probably set off metal detectors in airports. And of course your kind cant tolerate certain metals.

 Drakes eyes nearly bulged out of his head. Crescent knew exactly how he felt. How had she never thought of this before?

 What are you guys talking about? Janet had finally gotten the last of the whipped cream off her nose. Drake, you look like you just crapped your pants.

 IumI want to fly, but I cant. But I never made the connection

 What are you guys talking about? Janet practically yelled.

 Fairies have a legendary fear of metal, especially iron, Richard explained. In Crescents case, I would guess that translates into being unable to get off thewhat are you doing?

 Tearing out all her goddamned earrings and rings, thats what she was doing. Between her ears, nose, and belly button, she had over a dozen.

 I guess were done talking, Janet commented when Crescent stood up so quickly, her chair fell over.

 Theres a back door behind the second coffee machine, Drake said, but Im not sure now is the appropriateCrescent?

 She ran for the door and it was right where he told her it would be. She was through it in a flash and bounding up one, two, three flights of stairs, and praise all the gods, the door to the roof was propped open and then she was out in the open.

 She dove off the roof. At the last moment, she closed her eyesshed been disappointed too many times not to feel a twinge of anxiety. She knew she wouldnt break any bones, but landing hurt, all the same.

 Except she wasnt landing.

 She cracked open one eye and saw Janet, Richard, and Drake standing on the roof, looking at her. Except they were upside down.

 Correction: she was upside down. In mid-air.

 There we go, Richard said cheerfully. Problem solved.

 Uh. She could feel the grin split her face. Can somebody reach my foot? I have no idea how to get down.

 

 

 

 

 CHAPTER TWELVE

 

 Now, its none of my business, Janet began with, for her, heartening tentativeness.

 Oh, here we go.

 Shes a little young for you, dont you think?

 I have to take relationship advice from a woman who hangs out with a dead guy?

 Figured it out, did you?

 Took me a while. He doesnt really have a scent, you know? In fact, he smells more like you than anything else.

 They were back at Drakes house, and the sun would be up soon. Crescents feet hadnt touched the ground in three hours. Richard was amusing himself by bouncing her off the roof, seeing how high she would go. His personal best was sixteen feet. Drake and Janet were sitting cross-legged near the edge of the roof, watching.

 Shes one of a kind.

 No shit. But shes a littleuhthat is to sayyou think shes in it for the long haul?

 Crescent shrieked with joy as Richard bounced her on the balls of her feet and she shot into the air again.

 I have no idea, he said.

 Its justyou know, I didnt really know what I was missing until Dick kidnapped me

 What?

 Long story. Anyway, youre a pretty good guy. I mean, I always liked you. Itd be nice if you could finally settle down.

 Why, Janet, I never dreamed this tender side of you existed.

 Shut the fuck up.

 And its kind of you not to mention my grossly debilitating handicap.

 What? Oh, that. Im not being nice . I just keep forgetting. I mean, you dont act like a blind guy.

 How exactly does a blind guy act?

 How the hell should I know? So anyway, back to Blondie. You just, like, saw her and knew? Well, I know you didnt see her

 Actually, he said suddenly, I did. See her, I mean. I can.

 For real? Not just make a picture from how she smells?

 For real. I can see her perfectly. But only her. Everything else is the same. For example, I know your height and weight from your voice, and how you sound when you walk, but I dont know what color your eyes are. Hers are beautiful, he added dreamily.

 Wow. Thats the weirdest shit I ever heard. And I live with a vampire. Janet rested her chin on her knees for a moment. I dont know dick about fairies. Except I remember this story from when I was a kidyou remember Sarah Storyteller? Michaels grandma?

 Sure. She used to read to all of us on the grounds, under those trees by the pond.

 Right. Well, there was this one storyabout fairies? They were little and invisible. Theyd only appear if you caught them. And if you caught them, theyd grant wishes. So maybe Crescent appeared to you. You know, maybe thats why you can see her.

 Or maybe, he said slowly, she granted my wish.

 You wished you could see? Not that I could blame you, you poor handicapped freak of

 Oh, quit that. No, I never really minded not seeing, but I always wondered what my mates face would look like. What her hair would look like, the color of her eyeslike that.

 Hum. Well. You can see her. Only her. Somaybe she is in it for the long haul.

 Theres that tender side again. My, Richard has been quite the good influence.

 Oh, shut up. So, what are you going to do?

 He sighed and shifted his weight. Hope she flies back to me, I suppose.

 Lame.

 Mature.

 I kicked your ass all over Faneuil Hall, you know.

 Then my girl kicked your ass.

 Oh, shut up.

 

 * * * * *

 Janet and Richard left, but Crescent refused. Hed tried to explain why she should go, but she wasnt having it. What, is this that dumb if-you-love-something-let-it-go-if-it-comes-back-blah-blah-blah thing? Because that sucks. You said I could stay as long as I wanted, you welsher .

 He tried to disguise his joy. Crescent, theres something you should know

 Later. God, Im starving . Listen, Im going to run up ahead and see if those guys are serving breakfast yet.

 Its four oclock in the morning.

 I know , thats why I want to check . Be right back.

 He shook his head as she hurried away, then realized they were quite close to the shelter where shed been living. Foolish to be concernedshe was a tough one to hurt, after allbut he decided to catch up with her anyway.

 That was the last rational thought he had for a while. Stupid, reallythe punk shaking Crescent like a maraca looked far worse for the wear. An obvious beta typehe needed to be led. And, in abandonment, couldnt take care of himself. He certainly wasnt worth getting worked up over. He supposed Nick and whats-her-name had gone on to greener pasturesor easier marks.

 Jimmy, you idiot, Crescent was saying, prying his fingers off her arm, will you give it up? Grabbing me is not going to fix your life. Now buzz off.

 Its all your fault, Jimmy was insisting. Nick and Maria took off because of you.

 My ass! They took off because you cant walk ten feet down here anymore without tripping over a cop. Too bad they didnt bring you with, huh, Jimbo ?

 Jimmys eyes flashed murky murder and Drake moved quickly, spinning him away from Crescent. Just once Id like to take a walk with you without your being assaulted, he muttered, carefully examining her arm.

 What can I say, Ive got a dark past. Hes harmless. Lets go eat.

 He ignored her. Then he whirled and grabbed Jimmy by the throat, lifting him in the air as easily as a mother picked up her toddler.

 Did you really, he began. He was so angry it was hard to talk. He wanted to growl and bite. Did you really think you could put your hands on my mate and live to see the sun come up?

 Whoa! Crescent said, tugging on his arm. Before them, the punk squeaked and kicked, his face turning an interesting shade of purple. Let go, Drake. Hes just an asshole.

 He was shaking the manreally just an overgrown boy, but surely old enough to know betterlike a dog shakes a rag doll. Did you really? he said again.  Didyou?

 Drake! You are freaking me out, dude!

 Youre a doctor.

 Shell have bruises. He actually marked hermarked her with his filthy hands!

 But youre a doctor.

 Drake, will you put him down already? Hes passed out, for Christs sake. And I really dont want to finish the day at the Cop Shop.

 He growled, then flung the man away. They both watched the unconscious tough sail through the air and then hit the street like a sack of sand. Jimmy groaned, but didnt regain consciousness.

 Jeez, overprotective much? But she was smiling. Remind me to never tell you about my years on the streets.

 You will tell me.

 Later. When that vein in your forehead isnt throbbing. Yuck, by the way.

 He touched you. He should never have done that.

 Yes, and I think he gets that now! Your mate? she added, teasing. Is that what I am?

 He put his arms around her. Yes. Thats what you are.

 Well, all right. Lets go eat.

 If I have to look at another pancake, I may well vomit.

 Dude, its fine. Ill get waffles, she added with a wicked grin, and stretched up, and kissed him.

 I have to tell you something. No waffles. Ive put this off long enough

 What, no waffles, like, ever ?

 Crescentthis may be hard to believe

 She kissed him again. Your intolerance of starchy foods?

 Be serious. Im talking about

 The fact that you can see me?

 He blinked. Wellyes. Youre not surprised.

 Of course not. She smiled at him and he swore he could almost see her glowing. I granted your wish. Apparently its what we do.

 News to me! What exactly did I wish for? To have you in my life, or to see you?

 I dont know, but its kind of nice that you got it all in one package, isnt it?

 He supposed it was.

 

 

 THE END

 

 

 

 

 About the author:

 

 MaryJanice Davidson welcomes mail from readers. You can write to them c/o Elloras Cave Publishing atP.O. Box 787,Hudson ,Ohio44236-0787 .

 


